Coronet Tourney 11
An Tir’s eleventh Coronet Tourney was held on 12 March 1977 at the Connelly Centre, Seattle University, Seattle, WA.
Victor: Steingrim Wulfaresson Stallari.
Event Announcement
On March 12, A.S. XI, the Barony of Madrone will host the An Tir March Coronet Tourney in the Connelly Centre, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington. Set-up, or carrying in of gear, will commence at 11 AM. The Grand March and events themselves must commence at noon sharp; fees are levied by the hour for the premises and we must vacate by six PM. Before noon, gear may be stacked along the walls, as long as it does not interfere with any activities taking place at that time; when we take possession it may be distributed as desired.
The facility is a huge gymnasium paved in Astroturf, an invention of the dread wizard Monsanto. Such are its eldritch qualities, however, that no open flames-smoking materials or candle-warmers--may be permitted within the confines of the room, lest the sorcerous sward speedily return to the sulfurous, infernal components whence it sprang.1
Because of the time limitation imposed by rental arrangements, the lists will close at 1:15 P.M. and the first elimination round will commence at 1:30.P.M. Challenges and melees will be scheduled later in the day as time permits. If there are 16 or fewer entrants in the lists, the first round will be a double elimination; if 17 or more it will be a single elimination.
There will be a prize for the most artistic death; His Highness will judge.
That the quiche entries (and, mayhap, other edibles) not be served forth cold, a minor magician yclept Mike Row-Wave (those who collate Ye Crier will understand) hath offered his services, but he is under a geas regarding metal, even as far as metallic glazes upon ceramic vessels. The use of wooden vessels, also, is not advised. This magic calleth upon the forces of air (lightning) rather than fire; others who possess related spells may wish to use them as well. For this event such devices will be immune from plastic turkeys.
Euphemisms are, of course, provided.
Those bringing small children are asked to provide a cushion or bolster, as an area will be set aside in one corner for the entertainment of the small folk. Volunteers to assist in amusing them (that no one person be so engaged all Tourney) will be welcome. Two have already come forth.2
This is one March Coronet which will not be dependent on any sort of weather; thus, ladies may wear their prettiest gowns without fear of mud, and populace need not bring pavilions to fend off rain. Fighters should be aware that Astroturf has fangs; they should cover any areas of bare skin that are likely to contact the ground.
The Connelly Centre lies in an area infested by thieves and cutpurses; it would be unwise to leave valuables--or aught not nailed down--in fire-chariots, whether locked or unlocked.
Besides the selection, by combat, of the next Prince of An Tir, events will include a contest, sponsored by the Ladies of Valorous include a Estate, for the most chivalrous gentleman and lady. There will also be a box-lunch auction to benefit YE CRIER; whoever brings in the most shekels wins a prize. Lunches should be attractively packed, reasonably authentic, and adequate for two, as the company of the person who packed the lunch--at least for the duration of lunch time--is included in the package. Identities will not be ‘’officially’’ known (one may privately hint to Certain People), but please indicate your gender--it may influence the bidding.1
No pot luck is planned; bring your own sustenance or plan to bid heavily in the lunch auction.2
There will also be a quiche contest, with a large wooden spoon going to the winner. St. Audrey's Faire (details in Announcements) will also be held to benefit Ye suffering Crier. Time for Spring Cleaning!
Fighting will commence with the Lists and proceed, time allowing that we may indeed to challenges, that we may indeed vacate the premises by 6 PM as we are bid. The facility rents for $20/hour, and the helm will be passed; it would be helpful if the various other Baronies and Shires would contract to purchase some of this time. All who attend should plan to donate ‘’at least’’ $1, if at all feasible.
For further information, contact Sigelgaita the Silvertongued Ruth Baldeschwiller); she will serve as a central clearing-house.1
Event Chronicle
An Tir Coronet Tourney, March 12, A.S. XI, Madrone. Chronicled by Deirdre Muldomhnaigh
Liam of the Barque, reluctantly assisted in part by his lady and to greater extent by a more-enthusiastic cadre of selfless nobles, autocrated the first An Tir March Coronet in living memory that was neither damp nor chill, in the Astrogym at the Connelly Centre, Seattle University.
Marvel of marvels, the Grand March started only a little late. Lords and ladies from all over An Tir attended. At First Court Sigelgaita the Silvertongued and Seamus Mac Chluraid of Glenerochaidh received Awards of Arms; Alyson of Dunrobin's Eastern cousin presented the throne with a gift of oranges from the Caliph, and Donn an Bronach presented the Monbogs with a Monboggian War Banner, it being argent, a field of vegies proper. Fiona di Varanus announced that those who found their hands idle might come help on the Saint Lech tapestry, and Bolverk of Momchilovich gave Nhille von Haukenkrantz a ring, symbol of the Order of the Silver Rose, for having placed second in the last Coronet lists.
During the tourney there was, besides the usual carnage--the lists being initiated immediately, as time was of the essence--belly-dancing, court dancing, peasant dancing with populace participation, a Saint Audrey's Faire, and a box-lunch auction, the proceeds of which went to benefit the chronically-scant coffers of YE CRIER.
Morgan of Aberystwyth won the dying contest, with a demise choreographed and calculated to bring tears to the eyes of even his opponent. Genevra of Estolat's box lunch brought in the most money; Alyson Verena of Or, with a sour-cream quiche, won the quiche contest (entries were sorcerously heated in a device that brooks not the presence of any metal, but likewise does not offend the sorcerous sward of Monsanto with open flame). An impromptu bardic contest, on the theme of Carnage on the Field, was won by David of Baguley, and the winner and runner-up will, space permitting, be reprinted in this or a future issue.
At one point in the proceedings, the Barque's beloved flying coconut pull-toy was abducted by a scurvy crew from Lions Gate, where it is being held for ransom, despite the despairing cries of its bereaved mother.
The CRIER Staph (Genevra of Estolat, Sonya of Samarovsk, Serena Cleindori of Baguley, Donn an Bronach, and Yulseth of Dark-wood) were presented with CRIER Staph Staves, i.e. butterfly nets on long poles, symbolic, no doubt, of something...
In the final, hard-fought battle, Sir Steingrim Stallari vanquished Sir Elrond Blacksabre, to become the future Prince of An Tir. He will be crowned in April. Steingrim was later seen standing in a blood-spattered t-shirt (his own royal blood!) and Elrond sported an impressive knot on his head...
Time growing short, an after-revel was announced at Wakefield Castle, and those who yet had energy to spare supped and repaired thereto; others, including the autocrats, went home and collapsed. Outside the wind howled and rain beat down; we all laughed.3
Coronation
Prince Steingrim Wulfaresson Stallari and Princess Fiona di Varanus were coronated on 16 April 1977 at An Tir Coronation in Building 15, Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA.
Citations
1’’The Crier’’ March 1977, pages 5-6.
2’’The Crier’’ April 1977, page 5.
3’’The Crier’’ May 1977, page 12.